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This German generation keeps making history, they are marked by the magic wand that picks the winners. After defeating Argentina in the World Cup two years ago, they had the biggest test in all of their history. They were out to defeat Italy, a team they haven't been able to beat in all of football history in any major tournament. This time they did, but they struggled until the very last breath and got a historic win that takes them all the way to the semifinals. It was during a dramatic penalty-kick shoot-out with a Manuel Neuer stellar performance and Hector's last penalty that Germany made history once more.
During the first half, both sides played exactly the game everyone was expecting from them. Germany had ball control most of the time, but the Italians played their position and defense perfectly just as they practiced during the week. There were very few real chances for either side, both defensive lines dominated the first 45 minutes, every emotional moment was reserved for the second half. It was going to be Germany the first side that made a difference and opened up a game filled with adrenaline.
After more of the same kind of defensive game, Germany had a struck of genius through Mesut Ozil who on the 65th minute scored Germany's first goal and his 20th with the national team. He made no mistake from close range after Hector's deflected cross dropped at his feet, Mario Gomez had produced a fantastic offensive play from the left side of the field. A minute after that, Ozil had another struck of genius and gave a fantastic assist to Gomez who responded with a beautiful back-heel finish but Buffon saved it in time.
It kind of looked for a minute there, that Germany was finally going to defeat history and beat the Italian side for the first time ever. But then a series of unfortunate events unfolded against them. First of all, Mario Gomez fell injured with hamstring pains, Draxler took his place. Not too soon after that, Jerome Boateng committed a handball inside the box in the 78th minute and a penalty was awarded for Italy. Leonardo Bonucci scored from the spot with an unreachable shot, there was the equalizer and Germany recalled all those upsets from the past.
The last ten minutes of the regular time were packed with suspense, but at the end, no side was able to make a difference. Extra time was upon us, Italy had many suspended players for the semifinals. If they managed to win this they would practically play with substitute players no their entirety, Germany only had Mats Hummels suspended for the semifinal. But during the extra time, there wasn't much to see. The penalty-kicks were upon us and we would leave this game to chance.
A minute before the penalty kicks, Conte decided to put Juventus' player Simone Zaza in just to take a penalty. He kicked the second one and sent it to the moon, fortunately for him Gianluigi Buffon saved Thomas Muller's right after his failure. This was Mesut Ozil's chance for glory, and at the crucial moment, he sent his shot straight to the post. But this penalty-kick shoot-out was a total mess, Graziano Pelle also failed his with a wide shot. On the fifth and most crucial penalty, Manuel Neuer saved Bonucci's penalty and left the moment of glory for skipper Bastian Schweinsteiger. But he also sent it to the moon, the fear was too great for both sides.
On sudden death, Giaccherini and Hummels scored. Parolo and Kimmich also scored theirs. De Sciglio scored his shot after hitting the bar, it was all down to Jerome Boateng who didn't fail. The suspense was too much to watch, none of both keepers wanted to watch. In the right moment, Neuer saved a new one against Darmian, Hector had history on his feet and with his goal Germany could finally defeat Italy in a major tournament. What a game ladies and gentlemen.
Photo credit: UEFA EURO 2016
